Elzhi "Motown 25 feat. Royce Da 5'9""

Ah Detroit. Land of abandoned buildings, shitty weather, and a highly esteemed hip-hop scene full of colorful characters and compelling music. eLZhi's a longtime member of this pack, having risen to success in the late '90s with Slum Village and his work with the late Dilla, but The Preface, due out next month, marks his first solo full-length. A skilled MC who likes his rhymes perfect, he enlisted fellow Motor City veteran Black Milk to steer the production helm, then invited Royce Da 5'9", Guilty Simpson, T3 of Slum Village, Phat Kat, and more to guest on the album. "Motown 25," as its title suggests, features Motown flavors laid over heavy beats, and is warmer than a piping hot plate of soul food. Photo by Jeremy Deputat.